This follows a statement this afternoon from former National List MP and next on the list, Paul Quinn, that he will not be taking up the seat.

Mr Quinn says he is engaged in a series of commercial projects and is fully committed to his expanding business interests.

National Party general manager Greg Hamilton told NBR ONLINE Mr Foster-Bell, who is currently deputy head of the New Zealand mission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was expected to soon formally accept the seat.

Otago and Oxford educated, Mr Foster-Bell campaigned for the party vote in Wellington Central in 2011 and is ranked 56 on the party list – the highest-ranked new electorate candidate.

Among his many interests are archaeology (which he studied), gadgets, Winston Churchill, Handel, Radiohead, Richard Dawkins, James Bond, Yes Minister, The Thick of It, House of Cards, Dad's Army, Bottom, Are You Being Served?, Spooks, Blackadder and FawltyTowers.